Branden Carlson’s journey from his hometown of Salt Lake City to Oklahoma City’s NBA spotlight is nothing short of inspiring—and it’s filled with ups, downs, and plenty of growth. But here’s where it gets really interesting: despite going undrafted in 2024, Carlson’s resilience and determination have opened doors in ways many rookies only dream about.
Like most newcomers to the NBA, Carlson faced tough challenges in his first pro season. After not hearing his name called in the draft, he signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors in July 2024, only to be released by mid-October. Undeterred, he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, but was waived in January 2025. However, his story didn’t end there. After signing two separate 10-day contracts with OKC—a team that would go on to win the 2025 NBA championship—he earned a two-way deal in February. By September, he secured another two-way contract, balancing game time between the Thunder and their G-League affiliate, the OKC Blue.
"The experience has been fantastic," Carlson shared. "The organization has been supportive, my teammates great, and overall, it feels like the right place for me. I’ve learned so much, even with limited minutes on the court. The coaching staff really focuses on developing every player, whether they're getting twenty minutes a game or just a few garbage-time moments."
A proud product of Utah, Carlson’s journey started at Bingham High in South Jordan, before committing to the University of Utah where he played from 2019 to 2024. He took a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints right after high school, which added a unique layer to his personal and athletic development. At Utah, he played under coaches Larry Krystkowiak and Craig Smith, earned first-team All-Pac-12 accolades in both his junior and senior years, and left as the school’s all-time leader in blocks and games played, ranking fifth in total points scored.
"My time at Utah shaped me in countless ways," Carlson said warmly. "Being from Utah, I still go back every summer, catching up with former teammates and friends. It’s like a second home."
Carlson’s development was influenced strongly by his two college coaches. "With Krystkowiak during my first two years, I really honed the fundamentals," he explained. "He knew I was young and raw, having only played one year of varsity basketball in high school. His focus was on building my confidence and steadily improving my game. Coach Smith, on the other hand, gave me more freedom to express myself on the court. He trusted me, which helped me grow within a structured system."
He officially debuted in the NBA on November 25, 2024, with a brief three-minute appearance in a blowout victory over Sacramento. But his breakout moment came on January 16, 2025, against Cleveland, when he scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds in just over 17 minutes. He capped off his rookie season memorably with his first career double-double—26 points and 10 rebounds—in OKC’s final regular-season game on April 13, 2025, against New Orleans.
"That Cleveland game was a big confidence boost," Carlson recalled. "When the coach called my name, I was shocked but ready. Having spent months with the team, I felt comfortable and trusted, even though I hadn’t had many chances like that yet."
The Thunder have gained a reputation for spotting talent that others miss, and Head Coach Mark Daigneault is optimistic about Carlson’s potential. "This is his first real offseason with us, and he’s transformed his body—put on significant muscle—and even got a haircut, which changes perceptions," Daigneault joked before a preseason game in Fort Worth in October 2025. "He’s grown through summer league, training camp, and more practice. We’re confident in his progress and expect him to keep improving since he’s now had a full offseason in our system."
Last season, Carlson played seven games with the OKC Blue in the G-League, averaging 18.6 points, nine rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and 2.7 assists per game. He believes his biggest advancement over the past year has been mental. Drawing from the discipline and patience he cultivated during his church mission, he’s focused on playing smarter, not just harder. "I’ve worked to read the court better and make plays that support my teammates," he said. "Raising my basketball IQ has been key."
Beyond his own career, Carlson feels a special connection to the Utah basketball family. Seeing former Utes like Kyle Kuzma (Milwaukee), Jakob Poeltl (Toronto), and Delon Wright (Indiana) thriving in the league brings him joy. "There’s a real brotherhood among Utah players," he said. "Even if I didn’t share the court with Kuzma or Wright, we always greet each other warmly. Jakob and I had fun reminiscing about our college days and sharing stories about Coach Krystkowiak when we were teammates in Toronto."
Still, there’s a part of Carlson that misses the electrifying atmosphere of the Huntsman Center, where Utah fans show up in full force. "The support I got from the Utes fans was incredible," he said. "Playing in front of a passionate crowd made those games unforgettable."
Since his stint in Toronto, Carlson’s role as a rookie has evolved significantly. "Here, the rookie responsibilities are lighter," he shared with a smile. "Occasionally I helped carry bags, but at 25 years old, some guys forget I’m still a rookie. When I was with the Raptors, I had to carry a pink backpack around—that stayed behind in Toronto."
Branden Carlson’s journey embodies persistence, growth, and the power of support—both from his past and present teams. But it also leaves us wondering: in a league that often values instant stardom, how crucial is patience and steady development? What does Carlson’s path say about the way basketball careers can really unfold? Share your thoughts—do you think undrafted players like him get their fair shot, or does the system favor the flashy prospects?
Stephen Hunt is a freelance sports writer based in Frisco, Texas.
